The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Sam Amadi, has warned that Nigeria’s democratic system could deteriorate further by 2027 if existing structural issues are not addressed.
Amadi made this assertion on Tuesday while speaking during an interview on Prime Time, a programme aired on Arise Television. His comments focused on the current state of democracy in Nigeria and the institutional weaknesses that, according to him, continue to undermine its progress.
He argued that Nigeria’s political system is fundamentally flawed, particularly due to the lack of internal democracy within political parties. According to Amadi, this deficiency prevents the emergence of credible leadership and weakens the overall democratic process. He noted that the problem is not only systemic but also rooted in both structural and normative issues that have persisted over time.
Amadi also expressed strong concerns about the role of the judiciary, describing it as ineffective in safeguarding democratic principles. He suggested that the judicial system has failed to act as a reliable check on political excesses, thereby contributing to the weakening of democratic institutions. In his view, this has created a situation where electoral disputes and governance issues are not adequately addressed.
Speaking further, he criticized aspects of Nigeria’s Electoral Act, stating that certain provisions appear to limit the scope of judicial review. He explained that even in cases where judicial intervention is possible, the outcomes often lack clarity and consistency, reducing public confidence in the system.
“In 2027, we are going to have worse democracy than it currently is,” Amadi said, emphasizing that without meaningful reforms, the situation is unlikely to improve. He stressed that strengthening internal party democracy, enhancing judicial independence, and ensuring transparent electoral processes are critical steps needed to reverse the trend.
His remarks highlight growing concerns among political analysts and stakeholders about the future of Nigeria’s democracy, especially as the country approaches another electoral cycle.
